Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Lauren's teasing voice came through the video call. "Fran, are you at Dr. Lloyd's place right now?"

Francesca's cheeks instantly flushed red. She hesitated for a second before mumbling a quiet "Mm-hmm."

Lauren gasped dramatically before covering her mouth with a giggle. "Oh, so that means... Fran, you got the full Dr. Lloyd treatment last night?"

Francesca gritted her teeth. "Lauren, you better not laugh at me! Do you even know how close I was to being ruined last night? I can barely walk!"

Lauren blinked, looking both impressed and mildly horrified. "Wait... you mean Dr. Lloyd is that intense?"

Francesca huffed. "You'll find out soon enough. When it's your turn, let's see if you can handle it!"

Lauren snickered. "Oh no, no, no—I hate pain. I'll let Dr. Lloyd go wild with you first, and then I'll swoop in once he's all tired out. That way, I can dodge the first wave of his attacks!"

Francesca narrowed her eyes and smirked. "Nice try. Next time, you go first—I'll sit back and enjoy the aftermath. One way or another, you will experience what this guy is capable of. No way am I suffering alone!"

Lauren chuckled. "Alright, alright. I just called because I tried reaching Dr. Lloyd, but he didn't pick up. I figured I'd call you instead, but I did not expect you two to be at war all night. Fran, you poor thing-go get some rest!"

Francesca, still blushing furiously, rushed to wrap up the call. "Fine, I'm hanging up now. Andrew's making breakfast-his phone's probably still in the bedroom."

Just as Francesca put her phone down, a pair of strong arms wrapped around her from behind.

Andrew's deep voice murmured against her ear, his breath warm against her skin. "Fran, breakfast is getting cold. If you don't want to eat, we could just go for another round instead..."

Francesca shivered, her entire body tensing. Without a second thought, she bolted straight for the dining table-completely ignoring the soreness in her legs.

"I'm starving! Let's eat first! You know, breakfast is really important!"

The panic in her voice was almost comical-like she was fleeing from an impending disaster.

Andrew chuckled to himself. He had been extra intense last night on purpose.

This way, the little troublemaker would finally learn her

lesson-teasing and provoking him always came with consequences. If she thought she could just flirt and get away with it, she was dead wrong.

Francesca carefully made her way through breakfast, moving gingerly like a fragile little kitten. The moment she finished, she grabbed her bag and made a break for the door.noveldrama

Andrew raised an eyebrow. "Where are you running off to? Don't you want me to drive you?"

Francesca glanced over her

shoulder, her face filled with barely contained frustration. She gritted her teeth. "Andrew, you jerk! "I don't need a ride! I'll just call a cab-I know you have a ton of things to do!"

Andrew smirked. "Alright. So, what time should I expect you back tonight? I'll make sure to be ready for you."

Francesca stumbled mid-step, barely catching herself. She turned back, looking absolutely mortified.

"Who said I'm coming back? Dream on, Andrew! I'm never setting foot in your place again!"

Andrew just chuckled. He did not take those words seriously at all.

If she actually stopped coming to him, well that was not a problem. After all, they lived in the same neighborhood-if she did not come to him, he would simply go to her.

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